SVMHS Nurse Receives DAISY Award

Posted: Jun 22, 2018

SALINAS, CA, June 22, 2018- Ashika Sundar, RN is the June recipient of the DAISY Award at Salinas Valley
Memorial Healthcare System (SVMHS). SVMHS participates in the national
DAISY Award program, which celebrates compassionate and skillful nursing
care. Sundar is a Staff Nurse II in the Heart Center.

“It’s an honor to receive the DAISY Award,” says Ashika
Sundar, RN. “Nursing is so much more than providing medical care
to our patients, it’s also about providing comfort and treating
them like family. These are the reasons why I decided to be a nurse. As
a team, we always make a difference in the lives of our patients.”

Sundar joined the Heart Center at SVMHS in 2004 as a newly graduated registered
nurse. A colleague nominated Sundar for the DAISY Award for the compassionate
care she provided a patient whose brother recently passed away. The funeral
for the patient’s brother was taking place during a period in which
it was not medically advisable to leave the hospital. Sundar came up with
a solution that satisfied the patient’s medical and emotional needs.
A co-worker shared, “Ashika contacted the funeral home and persuaded
them to have the hearse drive by the hospital and stop for a brief time.
The nursing team was able to have the patient outside in a wheelchair
so our patient could pay her respects. It was a beautiful, kind thing
to do and to witness.”

“Ashika Sundar’s actions inspire us all,” says Trini
Juarez, RN, Senior Administrative Director Patient Care Services. “She
is the definition of a compassionate and caring nurse. Ashika not only
cared for this patient but also comforted her during this mourning period.
We are lucky she is part of our dedicated team.”

Every month, Salinas Valley Memorial recognizes an outstanding employee
with a DAISY Award (for nurses) or a STAR Award (for all staff). Nominations
can be submitted by patients, visitors and staff. Nomination forms and
drop boxes are located throughout the hospital. To learn more about the
awards visit svmh.com/nomination.